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CONTEST.DOC
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1994-09-23
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7KB
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139 lines
The Great MERGEPRO GiveAway!
Find a file that MERGEPRO/MERGESYS can
NOT merge and become a registered user!
I know of no other merge program that is as versatile as MERGEPRO.
As the descriptions states, it will merge almost any type of sorted
ASCII text file. I'd like to remove the "almost", but I figure with
all the possibilities there are bound to be SOME files that it won't
merge. Are there any? Find one and you will receive a registered
version of MERGEPRO or MERGESYS! Here are the ground rules.
1) The file must be a legitimate file. Let's be REAL! I know a
file could be "invented" that MERGEPRO would choke on, but this file
must be in use by some existing application.
2) The file must be ASCII text without imbedded control codes, such
as those you would get from a word processor. However, control
codes ARE allowed if they are used to signal the continuation or end
of a record or to delimit fields (just not the "formatting" type).
3) The file must be able to be sorted. If it won't sort, it could
still be "merged", but it wouldn't accomplish anything!
4) You must be an individual user (NO businesses can enter),
although the file could be one used by your company. If the file
exists anywhere, it's fair game.
Winners will be the first 100 validated entrants (I don't really
expect there'll be thousands of participants, but I've got to put a
limit somewhere). Entries should follow these guidelines.
1) Mail on disk (360, 720, 1.2, or 1.44), upload to INFOQUEST bbs,
or send by E-Mail (more on that below).
2) Submit two of the files in question, or at least enough of them
to test on MERGEPRO (I really don't need 100 meg files, unless
they're on a hard drive you're sending, since media will not be
returned!). Although a single file can be "merged" on itself, two
different files are needed so the merging pattern can be checked.
3) Explain the type of record. Is it variable or fixed length? If
records are more than one line, give the line the merge key is on
and for variable length records, how is the length determined. Also
include the starting line for the first record if it is not line 1.
4) List what determines the record's fields, the fields to merge on
(indicate whether the field is character, numerical, date, or time),
and the order of each merge field.
5) Include the name of the application that uses the files, where
the application can be obtained, and how the files are used by the
application. Custom applications are also permitted; instead of
where it can be obtained, indicate the developer.
6) Give your name, address, phone number, and whether you desire
MERGEPRO or MERGESYS. You are also encouraged to make any comments
on MERGEPRO's performance, suggestions for improvements, etc. (see
the sample entry below).
Each entry WILL be scanned for viruses and if any are found, that
entry will be disqualified. If there is a question concerning the
legitimacy of a file, an independent panel of judges headed by
Charles Strusz, the sysop of INFOQUEST bbs, will decide whether the
file qualifies (names of the judges will be released to any
disqualified entrant if requested). The winners will be decided by
date; for mailed entries, this is the postmark, for uploaded or
E-Mail messages, the date the message is posted. The contest ends
at midnight on December 31, 1994. Winners will be notified by
January 31, 1995, and their names will be available on INFOQUEST.
All E-Mail entries should be submitted to Charles Strusz using one
of the addresses shown at the end of this document. Entries can
also be uploaded directly to INFOQUEST by calling 618-549-5888. Log
on as a GUEST (first name) USER (last name), from the main menu join
the HAL conference by entering J HAL, and leave your entry as a
message to Hal Parks.
SAMPLE ENTRY
Files submitted: DIR1 and DIR2
Type of record: Records are variable length, the key is on the
first line, and the record continues with all
subsequent lines that begin with a space.
Alternatively, the key line does not contain
the "pipe" character "|" and continuing lines
do. The first record begins on line 15 (lines
1 through 14 contain header information).
Merge fields/order: Fields are delimited by spaces. First merge
field is three (date) in descending order,
second is one (character) in ascending order.
Application: PCBoard bbs system v15.1
Obtain from: Clark Development Company
3950 South 700 East, Ste 303
Murray, UT 84107-2173
order phone: 800-356-1686
bbs phone: 801-261-8976
How used: DIR file list for callers to PCBoard bbs
Entrant name: Hal Parks
Address: 404B W. Oak
Carbondale, IL 62901
Phone: 618-529-0000
Desired program: MERGESYS
Comments: Anything you'd like to say!
The purpose of this contest is twofold: to introduce MERGEPRO, a
revolutionary new ASCII text file utility, and gather information
for improving it. There are types of files that MERGEPRO won't
handle. Hopefully this contest will discover if any of these are
actually in use, and if so, future versions can be adapted to them.
Thank you for your interest in MERGEPRO. I'd be happy to hear your
comments even if you don't have a file that defeats MERGEPRO!
Mail entries to: HAL SoftWare
404B W. Oak
Carbondale, IL 62901
Or call INFOQUEST at 618-529-0000 and join the HAL conference
Or use one of the E-Mail addresses shown.
InterNet: charlies@twister.c-lib.siu.edu
RBBSNet: 8:970/201 FIDONet: 1:11/157
USERNAME: Charles Strusz
FIDO NODELIST CORRECTION: Phone should be 618.529.0000
PCBoard is a registered trademark of Clark Development Company.